Can I breastfeed without exposing myself?

Absolutely! Besides special clothing available expressly for discreet nursing, wearing
a two-piece outfit and pulling the shirt up from the waist works well. Drape a burp cloth
or receiving blanket over your shoulder for greater coverage! Practice nursing in front of
a mirror until you are comfortable that nothing shows that shouldn't!

What's in it for me?

A smarter, healthier baby who is less likely to be allergic. Less chance of breast,
ovarian and cervical cancers. Getting back in shape faster. A wonderful, enduring bond
with your baby. So easy -- nothing to fix, buy or clean.

Won't I have to give up eating the foods I enjoy?

Not at all. Just eat a well-balanced diet, and you may wish to continue taking your
prenatal vitamins while breastfeeding. Only if the baby's father has a severe allergy
to certain food(s) should you eliminate these from your -- and your baby's -- diet.

Doesn't breastfeeding tie you down?

Not really. During the first few months, a breastfed baby is very portable! Just
pack a few extra diapers and maybe a change of clothes for the baby and you're ready
to leave! Later, you may want to express or pump some of your special milk to leave
for your baby while you're away.

How long does it take to breastfeed?

Soon after the baby is born, feedings usually take 15-20 minutes per side and most
mothers offer both sides at each feeding. If the baby falls asleep, start the next
feeding with the breast that didn't get nursed at the last feeding. Later, as the baby
becomes more efficient, an entire feeding may only take 10-15 minutes!

What's so special about human milk?

Your body makes it especially for your baby. Cow's milk was designed for baby
calves! Every time your baby nurses, he gets protection from exactly what you and he have
come in contact with. Plus exactly what he needs for brain development and perfect growth.

Why do people say breastfeeding is important?

At birth, a baby is immune to everything his mother is but has no functional immune
system of his own, until at 6 weeks the faint stirrings begin. By the time the baby is
6 months old, he will have a functional, but still immature, immune system to help keep
him healthy and allergy free. Breastmilk gives the baby all the immunities he needs until
he can make his own.

More information on this topic can be found at our resource pages on the benefits and the
rewards of breastfeeding.

Why bother breastfeeding when I know I'll be returning to work (or school)?

Once you return to school or work, you could either pump your milk for your baby
to use the next day or choose to give him bottles while you're away. Although you might
need to pump for a few days until your breasts don't feel so full anymore, your body will
adjust just as it will when the baby sleeps through the night.

Will I be able to satisfy my baby?

The human breast is designed to refill the milk that is used: the policy of supply
and demand. Before bottles were so prevalent, we all assumed that every mother would feed
her own baby and there were no worries about this! Allowing the baby to nurse until he
stops every 2-3 hours in the beginning will assure that you will make enough milk.

What about the baby's father? Won't he feel left out if he can't feed the baby?

There are lots of things fathers can do with a baby besides feeding him.
Bathing provides lots of skin-to-skin contact and fun, too! Sitting by you while you
nurse the baby and rubbing between your shoulder blades usually gives the baby a milk
mustache! Listen for the rapid swallowing! Rocking, holding, cuddling and playing with
the baby will make dad feel a part of the action.